Serger Frost

It is 29 degrees here in Wisconsin this morning, and Iwhen I took the dog out it looked like Jack Frost had used my serger to trim up the edges of everthing. It is so beautiful with the glistening frost on everything... and then the golden sun came up and gave it all a glaze of orange.

Yesterday was a very good day in the shop - again on one of Etsy's promos, so lots of new visitors and convos, and a couple of sales!

Piecing... it is not just for bed quilts anymore!

I recently made a sweater coat for a customer who works in the furniture industy. She sent me this clipping of an article she had from a trade magazine that shows how the "Handmade", and more specifically piecing, is influencing the furniture industry. I personally love the quote in the call-out:
"In the right hands bits and pieces, scraps even, can be turned into a masterpiece."
This made me think back to all of the places that I have seen this trend lately.... EVERYWHERE!

Evidently with the economy and the return to "nesting" economy and craft, Even the most elite have found the comfort of what many of us have know for a very long time:
handmade is artistic, ecological and just plain nice.

Coach tried it out a while a go and is still using piecing in their items:

The runways of Ralph Lauren were filled with this "new" style in the NY shows this year. Pieced wools and pieced sweater knits were comibined with day looks and evening looks...

Hey - those of you who have found jill2day are right on the cutting edge!

The start of it all - coming to a publication near you!

Months ago there was a challenge put forth by Stampington Publications for cuff designs. I had never made any (or worn any) before, but had always found them facinating. Having been recently laid off, I had a lot of time on my hands so I gave it a go. I made three or four and sent them into the challenge. A couple of days ago I found out that one of the designs will be featured in an upcoming publication of Altered Couture!! Here is a preview of the cuff that will be featured.

I am very excited about this opportunity. That first foray into these cuffs started a ball rolling that has lead to my Etsy site featuring not only cuffs, but many other types of reconstructed, repurposed and recycled clothing - and now some wholesale and show opportunities... you just never know where things will lead!

Etsy Business Forum topics and life

Fellow Etsians, don't miss two threads in the Business Topics this AM (some very interesting ideas and points about balancing Etsy and life):
1- if you turn off the computer...
2- sell employment breakdown...
I also added a topic this AM to which I would love to hear your respnse:
3- who/what is your backup?

I love everything about having an Etsy shop - but, although I know self-employment is, by its very nature, all-encompassing, I didn't think about how much more true that is for a 24/7 world-wide shop! Finding that sweet spot between great customer service and response and having some downtime for yourself and your family is tricky!
A couple of things I try to keep in mind are:

• Turn off the cumputer during creative time.
• Good communication - let customers know you are thinking of them - even if it is not the minute they contact you. (scheduled regular times to communicate are as good as instant response for most things)
• My Etsy shop - or even the purchase someone made there - is not necessarily the #1 priority for the rest of the world!
• My back can only take so many hours at the sewing machine

I try to have a schedule for my self and my shop.
7:30-9:00 - On computer (drinking coffe): update blog, check convos, check GA, respond to overnight sales, plan day
9:00-9:15 - Turn off computer and get ready for work (I needed to add this 'cause I was still in my robe at 3:00 pm some days):get dressed, comb hair, etc
'til 1:00 - Studio time (trained myself ala Pavlov to pace according to NPR radio): work on new stuff, uninterupted.
1:00-2:00 - HEALTHY lunch while checking computer (also started after finding I was forgetting lunch and eating crap at 3:00): check for new convo, sales, renews, etc
2:00 - 6:00 - either back in studio, photosessions, or supply shopping/idea research: I try to consolodate getting out for supplies and ideas on Tuesdays and (if needed) Thursdays. Photo session are usually on Fridays for sure, and as needed otherwise.
Evenings are variable; Amazing Race, House and Project Runway allow me opportunities to retouch photos, update spreadsheets, etc while watching and not feeling totally guilty!
It would be nice to take weekends off, but for example this past weekend, Sales were great early Saturday, so needed to do some quick replenishing (not a bad thing!), so they tend to be just ad hoc, but with time for Jon for sure! I also have to schedule a walk in the middle of the day. My back is starting to feel the hours of computer and sewing machine time - and Gina (my dog) is feeling neglected.

Well off I go - must keep to schedule!

Local Color - Madison WI

I have the distinct honor of living in one of the finest areas of the US. Madison Wisconsin is my home town and, although I have traveled a lot, still my favorite town. The reasons are many, but at this time of year the Farmers Market is alive with the abundance of the midwest. Flowers, fruits, veggies, organic meats... and - this being Wisconsin - every kind of cheese you can imagine!

The colors this morning were amazing! Even the pumpkins have evolved from the same old orange to a pottery-like variety of "glazes".

The gardners were harvesting the straw flowers, glads and  so many others, while also getting ready to plant the mums and other fall plantings. The peppers were amazing - every color and every taste from hot to sweet! One of the great benefits of being a university town, is that the visiting students from all over the world end up staying or at least their various ethnic heritages influence. Consequently there are always new and interresting edibles to see and try.

Finally, Madison is the site of what (in my humble opinion) is one of the most beautiful goverment seats in our nation. The WI state capital. Here is one outside view, but the inside is what is truly remarkable with the marble and murals. ( The model with the fall foliage is me - nice to meet you!)

Time to go home now, with my carmel apple, goat cheese, pumpkin flax bread, one pound of a mix of 10 varieties of tiny potatoes, wax beans, and leeks!